Coedely crash: Morgan Smith was a lovely boy, aunt says

A teenager who was among three who died in a crash between a car and a bus has been described as a "lovely, lovely boy".

Morgan Smith and Jesse Owen, both 18, and Callum Griffiths, 19, died at the scene in Coedely, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on Monday evening.

Morgan's aunt, Amy Smith, said her nephew was a "very well loved boy".

"Everybody liked him. Everybody knew him," she added.

The BBC has been told the three teenagers had all been at a funeral prior to the fatal crash.

Two other people, aged 18 and 19, remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries following the crash, while a further two people were treated for minor injuries.

Ms Smith was visiting the scene of the crash to lay flowers on Wednesday, accompanied by other members of Morgan's family.

"It's important that we all stick together and continue to stick together," she said.

"Obviously any time of year this would be heart-breaking - more so that it's Christmas.

"We can't celebrate Christmas this year but we will all be together as a family and try our best."

She said Morgan was a "typical teenage boy" who was "always on the go" and loved sports like rugby, football and boxing.

"He was just liked by everybody and was just a lovely, lovely, lovely kid and boy... He wouldn't say a bad word about anyone," she added.

The family of Callum Griffiths said the teenager, from Porth, had a "beautiful smile that would light up the room".

"He was the most precious gift of a son and our love is endless," they added.

"Our hearts have been broken into a million pieces, broken beyond repair. He was so loving and had a caring soul. He has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled."

One of Callum's closest friends, Shane Williams, described him as "more of a brother" who enjoyed rugby, football and kickboxing.

"He was the funniest person you'll ever meet in your life," he said.

Welsh Contact Karate Association chief instructor Nick Clarke trained black belt Callum from age five.

He said he was "devastated and shocked" to hear the news.

He said: "Even as one of the best competitors we had in the club he was never cocky and arrogant or anything. he was always willing to help others and quite humble."

The family of Jesse Owen, from Penygraig, said on Tuesday that he was "loved by all" who knew him.

They described him as a "loving, happy, kind, calm and beautiful soul" who would do "absolutely anything for anyone".

"He has left a huge void in all of our hearts and our lives will never be the same without him," they added.

Floral tributes, messages and balloons have been left at the scene of the crash since Monday.

One read: "To our boys, you were angels. We will miss you more than you could have imagined."

Another said: "Miss you so much. You are that brightest star in the sky."

Supt Esyr Jones of South Wales Police said family liaison officers were supporting the families.

The Welsh Ambulance Service said seven ambulances were sent to the scene of the crash.

"Four people were taken to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, and a fifth person was taken to Royal Glamorgan Hospital for further treatment," it added.